Haskell and Care recalled for England

James Haskell and Danny Care have been recalled to the England side for the third Test against South Africa, as head coach Stuart Lancaster makes six changes in total.

Saracens full-back Alex Goode will start for the first time, having made his debut from the bench in last week’s defeat in Johannesburg. Alex Corbisiero, Tom Palmer and Thomas Waldrom also come into the starting XV.

Ben Foden moves to the left wing, with David Strettle dropping out of the squad. Joe Marler and Mouritz Botha pay for a poor first-half display from the pack in the second Test by being relegated to the bench.

Haskell’s last appearance was during England’s flawed Rugby World Cup campaign, having made himself unavailable for the Six Nations by opting to play his club rugby in Japan and New Zealand. However, the recently re-signed London Wasps star replaces injured captain Chris Robshaw in the back row.

For Care, the recall represent his rugby rehabilitation after a series of alcohol-related arrests. But his form in helping Harlequins win the Aviva Premiership title has left Lancaster with an easy decision following the injury sustained by scrum half Ben Youngs.

Lancaster said: “Danny Care has bided his time in a very competitive position, knuckled down and deserves his chance, as has James Haskell.

“I am really pleased for Alex [Goode]. He has worked hard in training and has been pushing Mike Brown and Ben Foden close so we are looking forward to him bringing his footballing skills to this Test.”